Capitol District (NWC 10th & Capitol)

[Big E]

60 to 90 days.

[Bob from Omaha]

60 to 90 days.

#europeanvillage

[Big E]

Man, im pretty sure this joke predates hashtags even.

[thenewguy]

60 to 90 days.

Good to see Big E back at it.

[nativeomahan]

After hitting up the Old Market Farmer’s Market, then the Summer Arts Fair today, we decided to have lunch somewhere downtown. The Italian festival, Santa Lucia I think it’s called, sounded like a good option. Neither of us had ever been to it. Well we drove down to the Landing at about Noon and walked around. The place was almost deserted. Nice set up, but no people. Well, and no shade. Not great at all when it was already close to 90 degrees out. Anyway, the food offerings were as sparse as the attendance, besides being completely uninteresting (much better variety and options at the Art Fair), so we decided to pay our first visit to the Capitol District, and have lunch there.
Well, so much for that brilliant idea. Santa Lucia might as well have resembled Grand Central Station at Rush Hour compared to the C.D. Absolutely no one there, and we couldn’t find anything at all open outside of Starbucks. Saturday afternoon and the place was Absolutely deserted! WOW? From what I could tell, there is only one business even opened along the commons area, an Irish place that was shuttered up. We did run into one other couple that were also amazed that the place was deserted. All of us scratched our heads, and decided to head into the Marriott to find something...anything... to eat. The Marriott looks fairly nice, although a bit spartan. They were serving a brunch menu, which was also rather spartan, and expensive (but hey, it’s a hotel). Service was prompt and the food, while nowhere near as spectacular as our waiter described it to be, was decent.
I understand from speaking to one of the waiters that the dinner restaurant is still under construction. It was supposed to open before the CWS, but he stated “obviously that isn’t happening.”
I don’t see this area being a viable or fun place to spend an afternoon or evening anytime soon. Such a shame.

[buildomaha]

After hitting up the Old Market Farmer’s Market, then the Summer Arts Fair today, we decided to have lunch somewhere downtown. The Italian festival, Santa Lucia I think it’s called, sounded like a good option. Neither of us had ever been to it. Well we drove down to the Landing at about Noon and walked around. The place was almost deserted. Nice set up, but no people. Well, and no shade. Not great at all when it was already close to 90 degrees out. Anyway, the food offerings were as sparse as the attendance, besides being completely uninteresting (much better variety and options at the Art Fair), so we decided to pay our first visit to the Capitol District, and have lunch there.
Well, so much for that brilliant idea. Santa Lucia might as well have resembled Grand Central Station at Rush Hour compared to the C.D. Absolutely no one there, and we couldn’t find anything at all open outside of Starbucks. Saturday afternoon and the place was Absolutely deserted! WOW? From what I could tell, there is only one business even opened along the commons area, an Irish place that was shuttered up. We did run into one other couple that were also amazed that the place was deserted. All of us scratched our heads, and decided to head into the Marriott to find something...anything... to eat. The Marriott looks fairly nice, although a bit spartan. They were serving a brunch menu, which was also rather spartan, and expensive (but hey, it’s a hotel). Service was prompt and the food, while nowhere near as spectacular as our waiter described it to be, was decent.
I understand from speaking to one of the waiters that the dinner restaurant is still under construction. It was supposed to open before the CWS, but he stated “obviously that isn’t happening.”
I don’t see this area being a viable or fun place to spend an afternoon or evening anytime soon. Such a shame.

I honestly think that most of the Capitol District's ailments are due to how long its taking for the district to get up and running. I've honestly lost a lot of interest and I'm sure there are lots of other people who have as well. I would much rather spend my time in Midtown/blackstone, OM, Benson where they actually have restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Open container is great, but theres a lot of competition to shove a bunch of food and retail into that space and not have something worth coming for (could even be something as small as rolled ice cream that could draw people).

[MSizlack]

Friends in town a couple weekends ago from Oklahoma City that stayed at the Marriott. Couldn't join them Friday evening but planned to join them Saturday evening in capital district. They were very unimpressed with it the prior evening so we went to Blackstone district. They really enjoyed it, they only wished it was double or triple its current size.
I have yet to go to the capital district, but those who I know who have been there say to stick to the old market if your going downtown.

[swgiust]

Don't give up on the Capitol District just yet. First it is not complete by an means. Second it is clearly set up as an event area. Concerts, College World series ect. So the three bars Annies, Beer can and Exchange do not serve any kind of food. But the area is changing, there will be pizza, sliders and Mexican soon. There are also some great other places to eat right there. Nosh and Local have great food. DJ's is good for wings and burgers. There are going to be growing pains with any project this large. I am sure before it is done, somebody will have already closed. I don't know if it will ever be a Blackstone district, but I'm also not sure if it was ever meant to be either.

[Louie]

Don't give up on the Capitol District just yet. First it is not complete by an means. Second it is clearly set up as an event area. Concerts, College World series ect. So the three bars Annies, Beer can and Exchange do not serve any kind of food. But the area is changing, there will be pizza, sliders and Mexican soon. There are also some great other places to eat right there. Nosh and Local have great food. DJ's is good for wings and burgers. There are going to be growing pains with any project this large. I am sure before it is done, somebody will have already closed. I don't know if it will ever be a Blackstone district, but I'm also not sure if it was ever meant to be either.

It will never be a 'Blackstone', it's a totally different vibe. I agree that we still have yet to see the finished product with this, and also if you have been to the Railyard in Lincoln or P and L in KC, they are both far more alive at night and usually quite quiet during the day. When the bays fill up and we continue to see more people living downtown I think this area will find its clientele.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Don't give up on the Capitol District just yet. First it is not complete by an means. Second it is clearly set up as an event area. Concerts, College World series ect. So the three bars Annies, Beer can and Exchange do not serve any kind of food. But the area is changing, there will be pizza, sliders and Mexican soon. There are also some great other places to eat right there. Nosh and Local have great food. DJ's is good for wings and burgers. There are going to be growing pains with any project this large. I am sure before it is done, somebody will have already closed. I don't know if it will ever be a Blackstone district, but I'm also not sure if it was ever meant to be either.

It will never be a 'Blackstone', it's a totally different vibe. I agree that we still have yet to see the finished product with this, and also if you have been to the Railyard in Lincoln or P and L in KC, they are both far more alive at night and usually quite quiet during the day. When the bays fill up and we continue to see more people living downtown I think this area will find its clientele.

I agree completely with these posts. The Capitol District is still a work in progress.. The finished product is far from complete..

Within the next 12-24 months, my hope is to see this area really blossom. If by that time it doesn’t take off.. and we see posts indicating a deserted common area, then I’d raise the red flag of concern for sure..

I’d suspect even with what’s open there now, there should be a ton more street level bristle within the Capitol District with the CWS opening this weekend...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[nativeomahan]

Don't give up on the Capitol District just yet. First it is not complete by an means. Second it is clearly set up as an event area. Concerts, College World series ect. So the three bars Annies, Beer can and Exchange do not serve any kind of food. But the area is changing, there will be pizza, sliders and Mexican soon. There are also some great other places to eat right there. Nosh and Local have great food. DJ's is good for wings and burgers. There are going to be growing pains with any project this large. I am sure before it is done, somebody will have already closed. I don't know if it will ever be a Blackstone district, but I'm also not sure if it was ever meant to be either.

I’ve eaten and drank at Nosh, and Local, and D.J.’s. I liked the first two. But guess what? I ate and drank at each one of those long before this Capitol District project was ever started. I realize that a large project such as this one doesn’t typically all open on Day 1. But my gosh, it’s already June. They held a big grand opening event back in March for St. Patrick’s Day. It appears that they are letting the prime outdoor tourist season slip away.

I won’t be back anytime soon.

[MadMartin8]

Had a few folks in from Kansas City, and they loved it and saw what it could be in the future once everything gets sorted. So, there you go, everyone's tastes are different. The problem right now, is that outside of events, there aren't many folks wandering the area yet.

As I have mentioned many times in this thread already, it was an industrial lead wasteland (hyperbole, a bit) before the Qwest/CLC was built, and there wasn't much (and still isn't quite yet, but getting there) population nearby. In Kansas City and Lincoln, you have a sizeable population (both living and working) or University within walking distance of the districts.


In all due time, this will bloom.

[iamjacobm]

Brazilian steakhouse Texas de Brazil a tenant for the office building retail space. Also a rolled ice cream place called Sweet Charlie's in the mix as well.

[buildomaha]

Brazilian steakhouse Texas de Brazil a tenant for the office building retail space. Also a rolled ice cream place called Sweet Charlie's in the mix as well.

I guess my suggestion was taken on the rolled ice cream(;

[RockHarbor]

I didnt realize the Capitol District was having these issues getting going... Sometimes projects take awhile to do so and are not an immediate "overnight success" the minute they open. I realize this more after watching a documentary on NYC's World Trade Center. Upon opening, the twin tower complex was not well received by NYers and basically ignored. Fast forward several years, and it became very bustling & busy, a real part of the daily heartbeat of the city. Leo A Daly did a great job designing it, so I like the look of it. (The renderings show a Marriott with sections on the front w/ a checkerboard of windows, while in actuality, the front of the Marriott has a consitant pattern of bands of glass. I like it better the way it was built, but I always wonder why renderings of even simple buildings dont always match what is actually later built. Why the change?)

[Bob from Omaha]

Why the change?

1) cost
2) type of final occupant
3) engineering
4) cost
5) city code or other input
6) cost
7) cost
financing requirement regarding cost of construction

[Greg S]

How was the Capital District been doing during the CWS?

Greg

[RockHarbor]

Why the change?

1) cost
2) type of final occupant
3) engineering
4) cost
5) city code or other input
6) cost
7) cost
financing requirement regarding cost of construction

So, cost is obviously the factor, eh? I just dont get why new building renderings seem almost always different than the final product that is built. Cant they predict the cost of checkering windows in some sections vs all bands of glass before construction starts? ///////////// If they fill in Gene Leahy Mall, it will make it easier for the Old Market crowd to walk north to the Capitol District and North Downtown attractions. Ive always wondered how that park/lagoon barrier would affect that connection.

[GetUrban]

Why the change?

1) cost
2) type of final occupant
3) engineering
4) cost
5) city code or other input
6) cost
7) cost
financing requirement regarding cost of construction

So, cost is obviously the factor, eh? I just dont get why new building renderings seem almost always different than the final product that is built. Cant they predict the cost of checkering windows in some sections vs all bands of glass before construction starts? ....

Renderings usually are done before the projects are bid. Changes often happen after bids come in too high. Most clients don't want to pay the architect extra money to update the rendering to reflect the most current changes after cost reductions are made. Plus architects usually don't want to internally pay their renderers to keep the renderings current, even through it's a good idea to do so for truthful marketing of past project experience. Once the building is built, people can just look at the real thing, or photographs thereof. Depending on the project, architects do often provide cost estimates of projected costs for the client and their internal use. The bids don't always match the estimate though.

[RockHarbor]

Why the change?

1) cost
2) type of final occupant
3) engineering
4) cost
5) city code or other input
6) cost
7) cost
financing requirement regarding cost of construction

So, cost is obviously the factor, eh? I just dont get why new building renderings seem almost always different than the final product that is built. Cant they predict the cost of checkering windows in some sections vs all bands of glass before construction starts? ....

Renderings usually are done before the projects are bid. Changes often happen after bids come in too high. Most clients don't want to pay the architect extra money to update the rendering to reflect the most current changes after cost reductions are made. Plus architects usually don't want to internally pay their renderers to keep the renderings current, even through it's a good idea to do so for truthful marketing of past project experience. Once the building is built, people can just look at the real thing, or photographs thereof. Depending on the project, architects do often provide cost estimates of projected costs for the client and their internal use. The bids don't always match the estimate though.

Thanks! I always learn much from you. I "get it" now. I used to be involved with landscape design firms years back, loved it, and the plans did involve bids & pricing -- and stuff. But, it wasn't quite the same as this.

Here's the original rendering: https://mms.businesswire.com/media/2016 ... _Hotel.jpg

When they were building the Marriott, I was questioning: "Where are the checkered sections I saw on the front? It's all glass." https://exp.cdn-hotels.com/hotels/19000 ... 88d4_z.jpg (I do like it all bands of glass, too. There is something striking & simple about it. I just was expecting the checkered sections -- which tie the Marriott in better with the other CD structures that have a checkering of windows. There was also that centralized notch designed in that used to be along the top roof line. And, originally, the roof line looks to slightly slope upward. But, the hotel has a flat roof line now -- without a notch.)

BTW, I just found another rendering of the Marriott that clearly shows that originally planned slope in the roofline: https://assets.marcusapps.com/files/out ... aha-v1.jpg

If I were an architect, and I designed a building, and if I felt I had my design perfect, and everything balanced just right, and then a bid changed everything, I would not be happy. It would feel like what they were building is "Second Best" than what I originally planned. Not fun for a designer...I'm sure.

Again, though, I don't mind the changes on the Marriott here. There's something about coming into Omaha from CB and seeing a long, rectangular hotel with long, consistent bands of glass I do like. It's like a simple, long, slab of glass -- or something. Actually, I just found the updated rendering of the Marriott (that I never did see before). You have to scroll down a bit (it is not the first picture you see, it is the 3rd pic down): https://www.bdcnetwork.com/omaha-gets-i ... t-district

[GetUrban]

I think I like the way it actually got built more than the original rendering anyway. In the first rendering, the facade had that trendy "extruded frame" look that is all too common now. It's entirely possible the changes had more to do with the designer and owner "tweaking" the design to get the look they wanted, and not necessarily just changing it only to reduce costs. You'd have to hear from Daly to know what exactly happened during the design and bidding process from concept to final product.

Architects do well to have accurate estimates before they promise the owner a design they cannot afford. The contractor has the final say on what it will actually cost, but everything is negotiable. When you cut things out after the bids come in too high, you never get back 100% of what it would have cost if the removed items hadn't been there to begin with.

[RockHarbor]

I think I like the way it actually got built more than the original rendering anyway. In the first rendering, the facade had that trendy "extruded frame" look that is all too common now. It's entirely possible the changes had more to do with the designer and owner "tweaking" the design to get the look they wanted, and not necessarily just changing it only to reduce costs. You'd have to hear from Daly to know what exactly happened during the design and bidding process from concept to final product.

Architects do well to have accurate estimates before they promise the owner a design they cannot afford. The contractor has the final say on what it will actually cost, but everything is negotiable. When you cut things out after the bids come in too high, you never get back 100% of what it would have cost if the removed items hadn't been there to begin with.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Both designs look great and are very sharp & professional, but the first one is way more common & predictible with that extruding frame that is seen used everywhere. The sloping roof is popular right now, but still is a slight risk; it may be "in vogue" now but it may not be later, and has to be just the right building to have that feature. The design they built is not only safer design/trend-wise, imo, but I feel its also more unique & unusual, yet still simplistic & sharp in a great way. The chaotic & changing patchwork effect from all the closed & open drapes just adds to the satisfying effect of that crisp & rigid facade of glass & lines, imo. I love the front of that Marriott. Great addition to Omaha. Daly did another great job for the city. (The new Marriott's glass color and long shape also has helped balance the UP's fat cube of green glass better on the Omaha skyline, imo. Thank goodness for Daly "saving the day", imo. Phew...) I could talk architecture & design like a local coach could talk NE football... Just say a comment to me, and I have something to say. https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnew ... 1200%2C860

[Louie]

I think I like the way it actually got built more than the original rendering anyway. In the first rendering, the facade had that trendy "extruded frame" look that is all too common now. It's entirely possible the changes had more to do with the designer and owner "tweaking" the design to get the look they wanted, and not necessarily just changing it only to reduce costs. You'd have to hear from Daly to know what exactly happened during the design and bidding process from concept to final product.

Architects do well to have accurate estimates before they promise the owner a design they cannot afford. The contractor has the final say on what it will actually cost, but everything is negotiable. When you cut things out after the bids come in too high, you never get back 100% of what it would have cost if the removed items hadn't been there to begin with.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Both designs look great and are very sharp & professional, but the first one is way more common & predictible with that extruding frame that is seen used everywhere. The sloping roof is popular right now, but still is a slight risk; it may be "in vogue" now but it may not be later, and has to be just the right building to have that feature. The design they built is not only safer design/trend-wise, imo, but I feel its also more unique & unusual, yet still simplistic & sharp in a great way. The chaotic & changing patchwork effect from all the closed & open drapes just adds to the satisfying effect of that crisp & rigid facade of glass & lines, imo. I love the front of that Marriott. Great addition to Omaha. Daly did another great job for the city. (The new Marriott's glass color and long shape also has helped balance the UP's fat cube of green glass better on the Omaha skyline, imo. Thank goodness for Daly "saving the day", imo. Phew...) I could talk architecture & design like a local coach could talk NE football... Just say a comment to me, and I have something to say. https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnew ... 1200%2C860

Balance is definitely a good word to describe how it evened the glass component of our skyline.

[RockHarbor]

I think I like the way it actually got built more than the original rendering anyway. In the first rendering, the facade had that trendy "extruded frame" look that is all too common now. It's entirely possible the changes had more to do with the designer and owner "tweaking" the design to get the look they wanted, and not necessarily just changing it only to reduce costs. You'd have to hear from Daly to know what exactly happened during the design and bidding process from concept to final product.

Architects do well to have accurate estimates before they promise the owner a design they cannot afford. The contractor has the final say on what it will actually cost, but everything is negotiable. When you cut things out after the bids come in too high, you never get back 100% of what it would have cost if the removed items hadn't been there to begin with.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Both designs look great and are very sharp & professional, but the first one is way more common & predictible with that extruding frame that is seen used everywhere. The sloping roof is popular right now, but still is a slight risk; it may be "in vogue" now but it may not be later, and has to be just the right building to have that feature. The design they built is not only safer design/trend-wise, imo, but I feel its also more unique & unusual, yet still simplistic & sharp in a great way. The chaotic & changing patchwork effect from all the closed & open drapes just adds to the satisfying effect of that crisp & rigid facade of glass & lines, imo. I love the front of that Marriott. Great addition to Omaha. Daly did another great job for the city. (The new Marriott's glass color and long shape also has helped balance the UP's fat cube of green glass better on the Omaha skyline, imo. Thank goodness for Daly "saving the day", imo. Phew...) I could talk architecture & design like a local coach could talk NE football... Just say a comment to me, and I have something to say. https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnew ... 1200%2C860

Balance is definitely a good word to describe how it evened the glass component of our skyline.

Glad you see that, too. Yes, it is very evident from that picture I posted. When the renderings were released, and while it was getting built, I hadn't yet noticed that about the Marriott. I'm not sure it was ever intentional, as the original facade involved less glass. Yet, I know some architects care about context and balance with other existing structures. If that is the goal, I'm sure they take pictures, and stand back and take a good look at a skyline, and do a study, as they are designing a new building to make sure it is a good fit. I feel that firm has always been good about that aspect.

I think any city needs to have a scaled model of their own downtown, and should insert a scaled & accurate model into place when a new building is proposed.

[Brad]

Photo Update

1.

[swgiust]

HOLY |expletive|! We have debated the potential success of the Capitol District bars. I went over Saturday night around 11:30pm. All three places were PACKED! There was a line to get in all three bars. Just a few weeks ago during the College World Series these places were empty! The crowd was very young, I would guess a pretty good amount of Creighton students. Definitely not my scene, enjoy the Old Market much better, but glad to see people in there.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I know I should be grateful, but the hotel really feels like its missing some thing on top of it.

Glad the district is doing well though.

[Trips]

HOLY |expletive|! We have debated the potential success of the Capitol District bars. I went over Saturday night around 11:30pm. All three places were PACKED! There was a line to get in all three bars. Just a few weeks ago during the College World Series these places were empty! The crowd was very young, I would guess a pretty good amount of Creighton students. Definitely not my scene, enjoy the Old Market much better, but glad to see people in there.

Of the 25+ groups (21-23yrs old) that I have Ubered there, almost all said that no one goes there before 10:30pm and then it gets packed. Drinks and covers are expensive so they drink at home or a cheaper place and then go there about 11 or 11:30. That would only give them about 7 hours of busy college crowd a week. Besides the expensive drinks they all seem to give it positive reviews.

[Louie]

HOLY |expletive|! We have debated the potential success of the Capitol District bars. I went over Saturday night around 11:30pm. All three places were PACKED! There was a line to get in all three bars. Just a few weeks ago during the College World Series these places were empty! The crowd was very young, I would guess a pretty good amount of Creighton students. Definitely not my scene, enjoy the Old Market much better, but glad to see people in there.

Been there twice this month and both nights were wild after 10pm. They’re doing fine I’m sure. Especially if my bill was like other patrons.

[nebraska]

The Bodies exhibit is now closed. Lighthouse Pizza is now open.

[RockHarbor]

I love that angle of it. (Great crisp picture, Brad.) I could just "eat" all those rigid & straight lines and designer colors. So urban. Love it. Great addition to Downtown Omaha. Daly & Associates does it again.

[iamjacobm]

J Gilberts must be getting close. Liquor license request before city council.

[Coyote]

They will start working on the 3 story office building soon.

[Mapguy]

I love that angle of it. (Great crisp picture, Brad.) I could just "eat" all those rigid & straight lines and designer colors. So urban. Love it. Great addition to Downtown Omaha. Daly & Associates does it again.

FYI the 3 bars at the district: Beer Can Alley. The Exchange, and Annie's Irish pub are des Moines owned and all 3 bars are based on the 3 originals on Court Avenue in Des Moines.

I think it's great both cities compete with eachother....and it never hurts to replicate another cities success and make it your own unique flavor.

[iamjacobm]

They will start working on the 3 story office building soon.

https://images4.loopnet.com/d2/ZDuXLPdO ... cument.pdf

Marketing flyer says late 2019 delivery with just under 47K SF of office space.

[iamjacobm]

J Gilberts officially opened.

Liquor license request for The Jewell so that should be close.

[Cermak]

I hope the 3 story building finally gives this project a finished look. While a good development, it seems like it’s taken forever to finish things up. Think it was originally announced like 4 years ago. Let’s hope this 3 story building pops up fast.

[skinzfan23]

I hope the 3 story building finally gives this project a finished look. While a good development, it seems like it’s taken forever to finish things up. Think it was originally announced like 4 years ago. Let’s hope this 3 story building pops up fast.

Actually it was announced in 2011, so it has been nearly 8 years. But it is a major development over nearly $300 Million so I will take it.

[Cermak]

I stayed at the Marriott this past weekend. The hotel is nice, very nice. The full size windows in the rooms make the hotel unique for Omaha, don’t think any other Omaha hotel has room windows this big. Our room overlooked the entertainment area and the ice rink , was fun to watch. The hotel has a modern uncluttered look. Probably the “go to” hotel in Omaha right now. They just need to finish the office building part and it will be almost perfect.

[nativeomahan]

We received a $25 Dining coupon for J. Gilbert’s yesterday, and will try to get down and use it before the end of the holiday season.